The Federal Communications Commission has been relatively silent since Google and Verizon released their net neutrality policy proposal in early August. On Wednesday, however, the agency called for additional comment on two key components of the Google-Verizon plan  the exemption for wireless and other "specialized" services.

"The FCC's Wireline and Wireless Bureaus are seeking further public comment on issues related to 'specialized' (or 'managed') services and mobile broadband," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement. "The information received through this inquiry, along with the record developed to date, will help complete our efforts to construct an enforceable framework to preserve Internet freedom and openness."

Last month Google and Verizon released a plan that would impose net neutrality principles on the Web, but exempt the wireless industry, as well as other "additional" service that broadband providers might embark upon in the future, like telemedicine.

The plan created quite the firestorm, with detractors accusing Google of going against its "don't be evil" motto and agreeing to the plan to boost its Android operating system. Google, however, denied that it had "sold out" or that it was entering into a business arrangement. Google said it remained committed to an open Internet.

The debate over net neutrality has been "longstanding and acrimonious," Genachowski said Wednesday.

The chairman did not mention Google or Verizon by name in his statement (though the formal public notice touches on it), but he said "recent events" have highlighted whether net neutrality should apply to wireless and specialized services.

"As we've seen, the issues are complex, and the details matter," Genachowski said. "Even a proposal that accepts enforceable rules can be flawed in its specifics and risk undermining the fundamental goal of preserving the open Internet."

Those who wish to submit comments have 30 days to so do, and then an additional 55 days to issue reply comments, according to the public notice.

"As we move forward, the FCC will continue to be vigilant in guarding against threats to Internet freedom," Genachowski concluded. "We will be focused on a vision of a ubiquitous and super-fast Internet, with flourishing entrepreneurship and vibrant start-ups, and massive private investment in Internet infrastructure, content, and services  an Internet that is an engine for our economy, and provides a world of knowledge and free speech accessible to all."

Chloe Albanesius has been with PCMag.com since April 2007, most recently as Executive Editor for News and Features. Prior to that, she worked for a year covering financial IT on Wall Street for Incisive Media. From 2002 to 2005, Chloe covered technology policy for The National Journal's Technology Daily in Washington, DC. She has held internships at NBC's Meet the Press, washingtonpost.com, the Tate Gallery press office in London, Roll Call, and Congressional Quarterly. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from American University...
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